Nine years ago, Kavod Charter School opened its doors to the first Shinshinim, and the tradition has only grown stronger since. Shinshinim is a Hebrew abbreviation for “year of service,” and it’s exactly what these young Israeli ambassadors give: a full year spent living, working, and building community alongside our explorers. Through the program, Kavod students get a daily dose of Hebrew and culture straight from the source, taught by someone just a few years older than our middle schoolers.
Throughout the school year, Shinshinim interns are woven into daily life at Kavod, then spend their summers continuing their service around San Diego. The program is highly competitive: participants earn a 1 year deferment from mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), so only the most driven and capable applicants are selected.
Meet our three 2026-27 Shinshinim interns:
Uri Ullman
My name is Uri Ullman, and I live in Kiryat Ono, right in the center of Israel. During high school, I chose to expand my studies in biology and literature.
Outside the classroom, I’m deeply involved and active in the Tzofim (Boys Scouts), and love playing sports, especially basketball.
Shira Burvin
My name is Shira Burvin, and I live in Harutzim, a moshav in the center of Israel. In high school, I majored in Biology and Music. I’ve always enjoyed sports, especially tennis and surfing, and music has always been a big part of my life as well. I’ve been singing since I was eight years old, and I also love playing the piano.
I was a madricha in the “HaIhud HaHakla’i” youth movement and participated in the Diller Teen Fellows leadership program. All of these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today.
Maayan Boochnik
My name is Maayan Michal Boochnik, I live in a small community settlement in the Negev – the south part of Israel. In high school, I took advanced courses in physics, environmental studies and theater. I love art of any kind, ceramic, music, jewelry making and especially painting. I started painting at the age of seven and never stopped ever since.
I love doing outdoor activities, mostly hiking.
After the 7th of October 2023, I volunteered in an art studio and guided kids that were evacuated from their home during the war.
Interested in hosting a Shinshinim for 3-4 months? The Shinshinim are extremely independent, having their own phone, car, doing their own laundry and supporting themselves. Opening your home to a Shinshinim intern gives your family the chance to grow their perspective and learn about the world. If you are a Kavod family interested in hosting for a few months, please email HaMorah Ronit at Ronit@kavodcharter.org
Ready to give your child the chance to learn from Shinshinim like Uri, Shira, and Maayan? At Kavod, ambitious TK-8th graders learn modern Hebrew, build global perspective, and grow into respectful, capable leaders in a tuition-free public school. Enrollment for 2027-28 opens this fall!
About Kavod Charter School:
Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a non-religious, dual language elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 5% charter school in California and the nation. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
